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Door Tips
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Replacing Exterior Door
Measuring
Looking to replace an exterior door but told that the existing door had been cut down to fit? What measurements are needed when going to buy a replacement?
The frame on the existing door is shot so I'm thinking a pre-hung door would be best.
Measure the rough opening - the space between the studs and from the header to the floor.
Hinges
Applying to Door
To keep surface-mounted hinges,( or mortised hinges),steady when installing, first tape them into place. Use masking tape to cover and overlap both ends of the leaves by about 1 inch. Make some starter holes with an awl (going through the tape), then drive in the screws. When all done, peel the tape off.
Door Care
If doors stick, check hinges to make sure they're aligned and tightly affixed to frame and door. Then fold the sandpaper around a block of wood and sand the edge that is catching. Repaint or seal the sanded edge to prevent moisture absorption which can cause warping. Tops and bottoms of door should be painted or sealed at all times. Inspect exterior doors each spring and fall for wear to see that metal weather-stripping is tight and free of dents, or that vinyl/rubber stripping is glued tightly. Prolong life of vinyl/rubber weather stripping by applying petroleum jelly occasionally. Use an aerosol lubricant on squeaky hinges (WD40).
Recycling
Old Door Uses
Don’t throw away that old door you just removed from the house- try converting it into a simple workbench!
Energy Savings
Automatic Door Sweep
Many rooms have carpeting now-a-days resulting in doors to have some necessary clearance to open and close properly. This opening under the doors can cost some loss in house heat in the winter months. Try installing a door sweep, it works by lifting up whenever the door is closed, thereby keeping much warm air in and cool air out!
Heat Saving Tip
One other heating or should I say heat saving tip is, in older homes I have found it very easy and economical to take the trim off around the windows and stuff insulation or purchase that expanding foam spray and seal around the windows . I have noticed a big difference in the comfort level and when it is -30c outside you sure notice the difference with the amount the furnace operates . The cost of doing this little job for me was only about $10 dollars for the whole house and I bet it saved me $50 in my heating cost over one winter.
Thanks to Douglas Maycock in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Hints To Save Your Money This Winter:
- Try to minimize the number of times that you open your doors to the outside weather.
- When not using the chimney, remember to shut the flue.
- Insulate walls and attic areas properly. Batts of insulation added to your attic is an easy do-it yourself project.
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